NRL Team List

The Eels head into their blockbuster Saturday clash with the Sharks fresh from the bye but not without a dash of mystery about their line up. Brad Arthur has failed to name Tim Mannah in what was expected to be his return game after recuperating from a fractured shoulder blade. He certainly seems to be a prime candidate for a late inclusion as the Eels look to scrounge together every little resource available to topple to the competition leading Sharks. Brad Takairangi is scheduled to return from a hamstring injury next week so Clinton Gutherson will reprise his role in the centres where he has consistently impressed. Kaysa Pritchard is curiously absent after he was cleared to play in the club’s most recent injury report so Wenty mainstay and captain Cody Nelson comes onto the bench for what what will be his second game for the Eels – late inclusions pending.

Dyldam Parramatta Eels NRL vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, 7.30pm, Saturday July 2 at Southern Cross Group Stadium

1. Michael Gordon

2. Semi Radradra

3. Michael Jennings

4. Clint Gutherson

5. Bevan French

6. Kenny Edwards

7. Corey Norman

8. Daniel Alvaro

9. Isaac De Gois

10. Danny Wicks

11. Manu Ma’u

12. Beau Scott (c)

13. Tepai Moeroa

Interchange:

14. Cody Nelson

15. Peni Terepo

16. David Gower

17. Rory O’Brien

Intrust Super Premiership Team List

As Wenty careened to yet another hefty loss on the weekend, the toll on their playing rosters continues to pile up. The Round 17 team looks almost completely alien to the one that burst from blocks in the first month of the competition. Roydan Gillett and Lyndon McGrady make their debuts for the Black & White while Yileen Gordon moves into the starting team at lock. James Hasson has seemingly escaped serious injury after he was stretchered off on Sunday while Alex Twal – one of the few shining lights in this anemic line up – earns a call up into the starting front row after stringing together some excellent stints from the bench. There is no real way to sugar coat it…this is a really, really poor Wenty roster. Things do not get any easier for the Magpies either as they take on the Penrith Panthers – who will be hungry to continue their push for a berth in the Top 4.

Speaking of Top 4 berths, Luke Burt’s charges will be looking to cement theirs when they take on the 7th placed Sharks on Saturday. Hot on the heels of his Man of the Match effort in the Under 18s Origin, 17-year -old centre Tui Afualo will return to Burt’s team in imperious form. Jamie Stowers, Jack Morris and Tyrell Fuimaono drop back from the ISP to reinforce the forward packs of the 20s. Burt is keeping his options open on the bench after naming a massive 6-man interchange group that includes three utility players in Price (hooker/half), Matterson (half/hooker) and Oloapu (backrow/centre/wing) so expect one of two of these three to miss the cut.

If you liked this article, you might consider supporting The Cumberland Throw.